Author Topic: Auto, Renters, and umbrella insurance policy coverage  (Read 2722 times)

G. Thomas

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Auto, Renters, and umbrella insurance policy coverage
« on: February 05, 2015, 04:40:14 PM »
I'm currently deep in the stages to keep or switch my current basic (Auto/Renters) insurance needs.   I went onto consumer reports to find their recommendations on top carriers and have looked into: Amica, USAA (don't qualify), State Farm, Geico, Progressive, and a local independent rep.  I'd like your advice when it comes to levels of coverage.

Current coverage w/ State Farm for 12 years with zero at fault incidents and no points on licence in 5+ years.

I'm looking into getting the below coverage.  Items you may want to take into consideration: my medical coverage from work does not cover auto accidents (If you don't know for sure you should call your provider), no major assets, 28y/o with under $100k net worth, car is worth $2,500, I have enough liquid assets to buy another car if needed.

Auto looking at getting:
-250/500k bodily and uninsured coverage
-100k property
-$5000 medical payment
-No comprehensive
-$500 deductible collision (most carriers i've looked into require either collision or comprehensive to get roadside coverage.  I chose collision because it seems more likely to happen than comprehensive)
-Yes on emergency roadside (comparing rates to AAA this seems much cheaper)

Renters looking at getting:
-enough to cover 100% of stuff
-300k of personal liability
-Going with a company that offers Full Replacement (Geico, Amica, independent rep) and not Actual Cash Value (State Farm)

Umbrella policy
-Not looking into coverage

What do you think of this level of coverage?

Curveball:  This may be a terrible idea but...  What if you went with the state minimums and bare bones Auto policy but got an umbrella policy of 1M so in the event of a lawsuit that is your security?

G. Thomas

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Re: Auto, Renters, and umbrella insurance policy coverage
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2015, 04:44:43 PM »
***Also, if anyone goes with Geico their rates will drop 8% if they own a share of Berkshire B shares ($150).  How would you recommend purchasing the share? It could save me $43/yr, seems like a no brainer.

Pylon

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Re: Auto, Renters, and umbrella insurance policy coverage
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2015, 06:11:40 PM »
This is a little old now and you may have already gotten an answer elsewhere, but still thought I'd throw in my $.02.

I've had State Farm for years as well and they do offer full replacement cost on renters and homeowners policies, so I'd definitely leave them in the running. 

As for having state minimum coverage with an umbrella, it's typically not allowed.  There is a threshold that a liability claim would have to meet before the umbrella kicks in and state min does not typically meet that.  If the company allowed you to do this (State Farm does not) then you could be on the hook for several thousands of dollars before the umbrella comes into play.

Paul der Krake

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Re: Auto, Renters, and umbrella insurance policy coverage
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2015, 06:17:33 PM »
***Also, if anyone goes with Geico their rates will drop 8% if they own a share of Berkshire B shares ($150).  How would you recommend purchasing the share? It could save me $43/yr, seems like a no brainer.
Through your usual broker is fine. It's not like they're going to ask you to send them a picture of you holding the stock certificate with a shoe on your head.

G. Thomas

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Re: Auto, Renters, and umbrella insurance policy coverage
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2015, 02:25:02 PM »
Thank you for the heads up.
I went with geico for auto and got the 1 share through my schwab account. Easy deduction, sending a screen shot.

I went with amica for renters.  Not bundling was cheaper in this option.